Network Operations Director Job

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills, talents and education to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A professional position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

Summary
This position is accountable for directing the information and data integrity of the enterprise and its vast network communication systems. This includes all data centers, technical service centers, production scheduling functions, communications network (voice & data), computer systems, software, system integrations, and automated business processes. A key responsibility of this position is directing a 24 by 7 network operations center responsible for minimizing the frequency and duration of service interruptions through monitoring the network and computing environment, system recovery, managing change, driving chronic and systemic problems.

Responsibilities

Direct the information technology operational processes to ensure business unit and corporate decisions are in alignment with Xcel Energy's operating, security, and reliability policies and objectives. This requires balancing business unit autonomy with enterprise economics, maintaining objectivity and credibility with stakeholders in each department, business unit, subsidiary, and all technology providers. This responsibility is essential to generate decisions that maintain a reliable technology environment at the most optimized cost.

Direct resources from Xcel Energy Corporate I/T and provide guidance and direction to Technology Providers. Responsible for developing and directing strategies, policies, & procedures that ensure the 24 by 7 reliability of Xcel Energy's corporate network infrastructure. Ensuring that Business Systems is communicating the impact and status of ongoing problems to its business customers and internal organization in a timely and transparent manner.

Define, develop, track and manage network communication benchmarking and metrics. This includes all departmental commitments and vendor obligations to Business Systems. Keep updated on utility industry and information technology disciplines through research and networking by identifying best practices and current trends. Oversee the benchmarking for operational metrics and the ongoing reporting of key indicators.

Attract, recruit, develop and retain a qualified and motivated staff. Communicate corporate and business area visions, business plans, and key objectives. Establish and communicate clear performance expectations. Foster a culture that supports and drives employee engagement.

Responsible for investments and ongoing support costs related to ensuring the reliability of the of Xcel Energy's technology environment. Sponsor projects to ensure adherence to costs and schedule commitments, as well as expected results measured in value to Xcel Energy.

Upon the request of senior executive management, direct and sponsor special projects that advance the mission, values, & objectives of the business unit or corporation.

Required

Required degree in MIS or Computer Science or equivalent experience is required.

Minimum 10 years of commercial network experience including 5 years of managing high performance network monitoring teams.

Must have broad knowledge of I/T Service Management strategies such as ITIL.

Must be able to demonstrate successful completion of large scale project management experience, and a history of superior business judgment.

Must be flexible, an excellent communicator, and possess superior team building/consensus management skills.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.